Budget 2012 will take €3.7 billion out of the economy, yet the Fine Gael/Labour coalition has vowed to go ahead with its decision to pay out €3.1 billion in Anglo promissory notes next year.
Sinn Féin senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh has called on the Government to reverse the decision to pay out the €3.1 billion and the party is organising a protest in Galway this Saturday to call for public support for its stance.
“Savage cuts have been made to the health, education, and community sectors, individuals dependent on social welfare payments,” said Sen Ó Clochartaigh. “Despite all of this, the Government intends to hand over €3.1 billion in Anglo promissory notes, 150 times more resources will be given to Anglo Irish Bank than supporting the long term unemployed. It is obvious where this Government’s priorities lie.”
Sinn Féin will hold a demonstration on Shop Street this Saturday at 2pm. The party will have on display a Christmas tree with the budgetary cutbacks hanging off the branches. Underneath the tree will be the ‘presents’, symbolising what the Government intends to pay out on behalf of the Irish taxpayer to Anglo Irish Bank.
“Christmas is supposed to be a time of giving and displaying goodwill. I hope the Government discovers this sentiment and finds the courage necessary to stand up for the Irish people,” said Sen Ó Clochartaigh. “It is time to say enough is enough. I am calling on members of the public to join with us at our demonstration on Saturday.”
